Sensational Albuquerque Happenings

Below is just a sampling of the many things to come in 2016. We look forward to adding to this list as the year unfolds.

Nob Hill's 100th Anniversary

In 1916 Albuquerque businessman D.K.B Sellers built a water tank on top of a large hill in the eastern University Heights of Albuquerque. In the interest of promotion, he named the development Nob Hill in reference to the fashionable San Francisco neighborhood. 100 years later, Nob Hill is a thriving area known for beautifully-preserved Route 66 and eclectic retro-style architecture, trendy bars and restaurants, specialty shops and boutiques, public art and more.

Nob Hill will be celebrating 100 years throughout 2016 with events, a new mural and lots of fun & enthusiasm.Learn more »

Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway's 50th Anniversary

The Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway opened in 1966 and is the longest of its kind in North America. The 2.7-mile ascent to the 10,378-foot peak of the Sandia Mountains is a thrilling, can't-miss attraction. Once atop the peak, the view is a panorama of more than 11,000 square miles of spectacular beauty. At night, the city lights below sparkle like a million jewels. On May 7, 2016 new tram cars will be unveiled in honor of the 50th anniversary.Learn more »

Popejoy Hall's 50th Anniversary Season

Built in 1966, Popejoy Hall is also currently celebrating the 50th anniversary season. Popejoy is the largest multi-purpose venue in the state. Following a major renovation in 1996, Popejoy hosts touring Broadway shows, symphony concerts, musical soloists & artists of international caliber, world-renowned ballet & modern dance companies and noted speakers from a broad spectrum of disciplines.Learn more »

45th Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

From October 1-9, 2016, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® presented by Canon will once again fill the sky with magic. This year will mark the 45th time that pilots, volunteers and guests have gathered from around the world to celebrate the beauty of hot air balloons. What started as a radio promotion in 1972, with 13 balloons in attendance, has grown to be the largest gathering of balloons and is said to be the most photographed event in the world. Learn more »

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center's 40th Anniversary

Founded in 1976 by the 19 Pueblo Indian Tribes of New Mexico, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is a world-class museum and cultural center located in the historic Albuquerque Indian School District. The center offers an introduction to New Mexico's 19 Pueblos with information and resources on Native American culture, history and art. The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center will be opening their renovated museum in the spring of 2016 as part of the 40th Anniversary Celebration.Learn more »

516 ARTS 10th Anniversary

In celebration of their 10th anniversary, 516 ARTS will present "DECADE," a group exhibition and series of off-site projects that draw from the diverse local, national and international artists they have worked with since 2006. 516 ARTS is a hub for world-class contemporary art in Albuquerque and New Mexico as well as a beacon for the arts in the Downtown revitalization process. This exhibition will explore a wide variety of themes and practices that 516 ARTS has explored since its inception including: environmental/land-based art, street art, new media art that intersects with science and technology, public art and socially engaged projects.Learn more »

Downtown Entertainment District & Revitalization

One Central, the entertainment district proposed on the northeast corner of Central Avenue and First Street in Downtown Albuquerque, is the $23.5 million plan proposed by Mayor Richard Berry for three projects in the corridor - at the Convention Center, Civic Plaza and for a new parking structure.Learn more »

Downtown Albuquerque is home to one of the longest urban stretches of The Mother Road, and while the vintage aspects of Route 66 are beloved, the city is working to modernize the entire stretch, making it more pedestrian-friendly and functional. Learn more »

Civic Plaza has introduced new programming to Downtown's square, including Truckin' Tuesdays (food trucks) year-round, as well as seasonal Sunset Market (farmer's market) on Wednesdays and Movies on the Plaza & ABQ Food Fridays during warmer months.Learn more »

Albuquerque's 50-Mile Activity Loop

The city recently broke ground on a "50-mile activity loop," a multi-use trail and bikeway facility that will fill the gaps in the existing trails and bikeways facilities. When complete, it will create a 50-mile bicycling, running and walking loop around the city.Learn more »

Valles Caldera Positioned to Become National Park

The 140-square-mile Valles Caldera National Preserve is transitioning to management by the National Park Service, which celebrates their 100th anniversary in 2016. The preserve is home to expansive grasslands, one of New Mexico's most famous elk herds and the remnants of a supervolcano-one of few found in North America. The park hopes to expand hiking, biking, snowshoeing, hunting and fishing opportunities, as well as complete a full inventory of all plant and animal species on the preserve. Learn more »

National Hispanic Arts Institute & Workshop

The National Hispanic Cultural Center and Central New Mexico Community College have announced the creation of the National Hispanic Arts Institute & Workshop, which is slated to begin full operations in the fall of 2017 (with initial workshops beginning as early as fall of 2016), and intended to nurture and expand the artistic experiences of Albuquerque's artists, students and art aficionados.Learn more »